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At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1000-500 BCE
  • Geography

    Northwest Iran
  • Material

    Copper alloy Hammered, chased, and repoussé
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 22.3 x 22.3 x 1.6 cm (8 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 5/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.121
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.121

Object Details

  • Label

    The exterior of the disk depicts a winged male figure taming gazelles and a lion. This theme, the "master of the animals," has a long history in the ancient art of southwest Asia. It signified domination over wild or evil forces and suggests the function of the disk, perhaps a device for decorating a shield made of leather, metal, or wood. The disk was attached to another material by nails driven through the holes around the circumference.
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections (August 31 to December 22, 2013)
    Metalwork and Ceramics from Ancient Iran (November 19, 1992 to January 22, 2004)
    Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)
  • Origin

    Northwest Iran
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Unclassified
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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